Back when I was little, puffer coats were a thing. My parents would get me bundled up in so many layers it was impossible to move, then they’d top it off with a puffer coat that made me look like the Michelin Man. Flash forward: puffer coats are now sleeker and chic-er, yet just as warm as always.

If you live somewhere cold, puffer jackets are likely to be prevalent this winter. Celebs are beginning to bundle up in them, trendy stores have them on sale, and designers have their own high-end versions. And while you still might see these coats as function over form, there are cute versions out there! The key to pulling off a puffer jacket in a cool way is to find one that fits well with layers underneath, but is not too large. Also be sure to wear fitted bottoms to keep some shape in your outfit!

Puffer jackets can be cute for cold days on campus! Here’s how I would style one…

Are you sold on puffer coats?

Or are these just a flashback to awkward childhood moments? If you have one, what do you pair it with? Which look above is your favorite? Let us know by dropping us a note in the comment section below!

Like this post?

24 Responses to “Would You Wear… a Puffer Coat?”

No way.. Never gonna happen. Puffer jackets remind me of the Michelin tire man. Look it up if you don’t know who he is.

2

November 19th, 2013 at 1:00 pm

Lissa

NEVER AGAIN!

I had this giant puffer coat all through middle school. It was shapeless and went down to my knees. My mom would force me to put the hood on and then wrapped it tightly with a hideous scarf… Even the teachers called me “squimoo girl”.

No way I’m going back to that style nightmare. No way. I’d rather freeze my arms off.

3

November 19th, 2013 at 1:17 pm

Phidias

I don’t know guys. I’d rather not freeze in winter… I say YES to puffer coats!!!

4

November 19th, 2013 at 1:17 pm

Katha

I absolutely love just because of one simple reason… they’re the only kind of coat that actually keep me warm when it’s really really cold outside

5

November 19th, 2013 at 1:46 pm

Heather

I have a coat from Esprit that I think would be considered a puffer coat. It’s actually flattering and has some shape at the waist. I’ve had for a few years now so unfortunately it’s looking a bit worn, but it’s super warm so i don’t want to give it up until I can find something similar!

6

November 19th, 2013 at 2:09 pm

Sam

When you live in upstate New York you sort of have no choice but to wear a puffer jacket.

7

November 19th, 2013 at 2:17 pm

Gina

I say yes to them. I don’t own one but I’ve had my eye on a few from this line: http://www.mackage.com (they’re just super expensive). Not all puffer coats are shapeless and ugly! Some are quite nice. And if you live in a cold climate (I live in NY so I see my fair share of bitter cold days) then a puffer coat can be a great investment.

Basically no to puffer coat for me. I wouldn’t wear it. But my sister wears one and she looks good in it.

Katha, Sam: Have you ever tried a woolen coat? I was wearing that even on cold winter days/nights in Finland (and riding a bike to school on snow), but actually not freezing was more of a layering task. But if it snowrains it’s probably not that good option…

9

November 19th, 2013 at 3:13 pm

Marian

Ever since seeing John’s green puffer coat on the show Sherlock, I’ve realized it can actually look good. Living in Washington state, people are pretty forgiving when it comes to outwear, so I now have a dark brown puffer coat – no regrets!

10

November 19th, 2013 at 3:15 pm

Lila

I have to wear one, since it’s really cold and windy where I live. I have a couple of wool coats, but it’s still not enough. I don’t want to layer up to the point of not being able to move haha

A long thick puffer coat, snowboots, thick socks, scarf, beanie and mittens are the way to go.

I have a nice one from Zara from last winter that actually has some shape and can be belted at the waist.

11

November 19th, 2013 at 4:14 pm

Leah

I live in Iowa. In the winter when I’m walking in and out of work (which I work at a hospital, we don’t exactly get close parking), I’m not going to wear some slim jacket I will freeze in. Bring on my puffy jacket.

12

November 19th, 2013 at 5:13 pm

andreya

this one is not about would you or would you not…if you live somwehere where winters are freezingly cold you almost have no choice :)

13

November 19th, 2013 at 6:46 pm

Roxie

I never really realized how people can survive in the winter when it’s snowing without a puffer coat( but maybe winters are colder where I live) The thing is, I always hated it when people in movies wear thin coats, leather jackets or the worst jumpers when it’s apparently freezing cold outside!

14

November 19th, 2013 at 7:04 pm

Sarah

I grew up in Alaska and currently live in Washington. Suffice it to say, when this time of the year rolls around, you get to a point where a warm coat just isn’t optional. I have a wool peacoat that’s okay with layers underneath and a heavy scarf, but it doesn’t do nearly the job my puffer does, and it’s a little dressier than my usual style. I have this cute, black one from old navy that gathers at the bottom and has a fold-over type collar at the top instead of a hood. It matches like a dream with my usual jeans. Old navy has a similar line this year, expect the collars are fur trimmed and they don’t go in at the bottom. A great, relatively inexpensive option that will keep you warm while looking nice. FYI mind is over two years old now and no problems except a little lint getting on the non-puffer parts of the coat.

15

November 19th, 2013 at 8:17 pm

Holly

I live where the winters are relatively mild, so I can usually get away without a really thick coat. But I’d still happily wear a puffer coat. I nearly bought one a few years back.

16

November 19th, 2013 at 9:55 pm

Chloe

i’m from Canada, where it can get to be -30 degrees C… so .. puffer coats= acceptable.

17

November 19th, 2013 at 10:48 pm

Jasmine

Cheers from Florida…. Lol it’s a no from me

18

November 20th, 2013 at 6:59 am

Cat

No thank you, I’ll stick to my pea coat, it is thick and warm alone and I bought it big enough to layer extra clothes underneath. Besides after living in New England my entire life I’ve learned to layer everything, and to tolerate the cold to an extent.

19

November 20th, 2013 at 8:31 am

A C

Before I lived in MN, I never owned a puffer coat. I thought that they were just the ugliest coats and why would anybody choose to wear a puffer coat over a nice sleek wool walker. I lived MN for 4 years before I finally bought a nice puffer coat, and I will not always have one. I never realize how friggin cold I was before I had that thing. A wool coat cannot compare in below freezing temperature.

So unfortunately, I think this is more about needed body warmth than fashion.

That being said, there are puffer out there that are much cuter than others.

Puffer Coats bring memories of Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide, and Cookie getting chainsawed out of an extra puffy red one. BUT I do think that these are necessary for some people. If you get cold easily and pea coats are just not enough, bring on the puffer coat!!

21

November 20th, 2013 at 6:26 pm

Jenny

NO WAY!!!!!!!!!! I used to wear one as a kid and I looked and felt like a marshmallow! Would rather have a comfy parka or duffle coat with some cute gloves/hat/scarf any day!

22

November 22nd, 2013 at 5:45 am

Carina

I’m from Germany and winters can get really cold around here. So yes, I do have a puffer jacket. But it’s cute, got some waist und looks really nice. I use it for really really really cold days, when even my Wellenstyen Zermatt jacket is failing me^^

Leave a Reply

Comment Rules: CF is a positive place and our comments section is no different. Constructive criticism is fine, but if you're rude, we'll delete your comment. Please use your PERSONAL name or initials and not your business name and do not put your website in the comment text, as both come off like spam. For more info, see our Comment Policy. Have fun & thanks for adding to the conversation!

Name (required)

Email (will not be published) (required)

Website

Want a custom avatar to show up next to your comments? Sign up for a free Gravatar.